The Minneapolis Star Tribune ran an article on Tuesday August 17, 2010, about Beloit College’s annual list of what incoming Freshmen know. Contained in the list are hints about material culture that will be important for local historical organizations to consider as exhibits and public programs get developed. The list also underscores the importance of collecting today so […]

USA Today carried the story Kids’ electronic media use jumps to 53 hours a week. If one goal of local historical organizations is to be where people are, and children spend 53 hours a week on average with electronic gadgets, what should local history museums be thinking about? One approach might be to embrace all […]

It’s mid-April, which takes me back to my days of working as an interpreter at historic sites. At this time of year the buildings are cleaned, last minute minor repairs are performed, kits of clothing and props are issued and inspected, and all of this is done to prepare for the public. Of all the […]

Related to the History Museums as a Gathering Place discussion, there are always lots of events at historic sites toward the end of October to mark Halloween. Some are labeled as spooky or scary; some as for the family; and some are clearly educational, such as the many cemetery walks that local historical organizations present. […]